While perhaps not a mind bending psychedelic masterpiece, the Listening do however create a musical potpourri full of confident jazzy hard rock, and blues numbers peppered with small doses of classical piano. Surprisingly not much seems to be known about this band and it amazes me this record has slipped into obscurity. The Listening is an album full of superb organ and crystal clear guitar licks as sharp as shattered glass played by a 16 year old Peter Malick. It is these ingredients for which the album will be best remembered yet on further inspection, it is really the rhythm section that supplies the backbone and gives power to the music. Throughout the album the drums and bass are in complete unison with one another and keep the whole thing moving.

Intrigued to hear this due to the Velvet Underground connection - actually nothing like them, but very polished and highly varied stylistically. Stronger than many albums of the period, but its dogged avoidance of any easy categoriation has probably led to its obscurity. Shame. Yet again, you've turned up something special - thanks!